Equipping the workforce of tomorrow with generative AI skills

The revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the world of work cannot be overstated. AI experts continue to pioneer new and innovative products, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Every day brings news of new developments, each highlighting a blend of creativity and uniqueness. And when we introduce generative AI into the equation, the potential is exponential – from designs, content, and art to virtual conversational enablers. This technology ushers in a realm of possibilities, enabling data-driven decisions, bolstering workplace efficiency, and elevating productivity across various job roles.

Yet, as companies embark on this transformative journey with generative AI, a pivotal question arises: Does the workforce have the skills to thrive in the AI world?

To thrive in an AI-augmented workplace, individuals need a combination of personality traits, cognitive skills, and technical expertise. Behavioral competencies focus on traits that determine how well individuals can adapt and collaborate within AI-driven settings. Cognitive abilities highlight critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital for understanding and effectively utilizing AI outputs. And technical skills emphasize the importance of crafting precise prompts to maximize AI performance.

Developing and cultivating these core competencies – such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, collaboration, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving are fundamentally essential for organizations seeking to succeed. These skills serve as the foundation for a workforce that can effectively work alongside advanced technologies, navigate rapid and often unpredictable changes, and continuously innovate to stay ahead of industry disruptions. In a landscape where AI is transforming workflows, redefining job roles, and automating routine tasks, employees equipped with these competencies are better positioned to adapt quickly, embrace new ways of working, and contribute meaningfully to organizational growth. Investing in the development of these competencies is both a strategic advantage and a necessity for building a future-ready workforce capable of thriving amid technological advancements to unlock AI’s full potential, drive sustainable growth, and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving digital economy.

The Mercer Assessments’ AI competency framework is designed to measure the essential skills required for using generative AI effectively in the workplace. It measures behavioral competencies, cognitive abilities, and prompt engineering skills.

Behavioral competencies are fundamental to successful AI integration, as they foster a workforce that is adaptable, open to change, and ready to embrace new technologies.

• Adaptability: Remaining flexible and resilient in the face of change during AI adoption, which involves adjusting to new circumstances, is imperative while working collaboratively with AI and actively seeking opportunities to enhance AI-related skills.
• Innovation: Generating and implementing creative ideas to advance AI adoption and drive technological progress, helps unlock new opportunities for organizational growth. This includes taking calculated risks, exploring new areas, and continuously pursuing innovative solutions.
• Change management: Guiding and motivating others to embrace AI-driven change, proactively taking on roles in planning and executing AI-related initiatives, while also coping with change for oneself with confidence is vital. Developing strong change management skills is essential because successful AI adoption depends not only on technological implementation but also on people’s willingness to accept and adapt to new ways of working. Effective change management ensures smoother transitions, minimizes resistance, and maximizes the benefits of AI integration within the organization. While completely essential for leadership, managing change is a skill everyone must develop.
• Collaboration: Supporting team members and fostering a culture of shared decision-making in new AI initiatives ensures seamless integration and collective success. Collaboration skills are vital because AI projects often require cross-functional teamwork, diverse perspectives, and collective effort to develop, implement, and optimize AI solutions effectively. Building a collaborative environment accelerates innovation, enhances problem-solving, and ensures that AI initiatives align with organizational goals.

Cognitive abilities, including reasoning skills, are essential for understanding and effectively leveraging AI outputs. These skills, assessed through cognitive reasoning tests, enable individuals to analyze information critically, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions, which are crucial for successful AI adoption and integration in the workplace.

Prompt engineering, a core technical skill: Prompt engineering is an equally important technical skill that involves crafting precise and effective prompts to elicit high-quality responses from AI models. Proficiency in prompt engineering requires understanding AI behavior, clarity in communication, and awareness of potential impartialities, ensuring that AI outputs are relevant and reliable. Many roles across various functions are increasingly relying on prompt engineering as a fundamental skill. Honing this skill enables professionals to effectively interact with AI systems, optimize outputs, and drive better results in their respective areas. Together, these competencies form a strong foundation for leveraging AI technologies responsibly and effectively.

The reach of generative AI applications extends across diverse and inclusive user bases. Specific functions like marketing, sales, HR, and more are poised to tap into generative AI’s capabilities in distinct and exclusive ways.

These competencies, cognitive abilities, and skills create a strong foundation for building a skilled workforce capable of adopting and integrating generative AI into the workplace.

In conclusion, a continuous learning mindset is crucial as AI technologies evolve rapidly. Adaptability, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore new ways of working will ensure professionals remain effective in an AI-augmented environment. A multidisciplinary approach that combines domain-specific knowledge with AI capabilities will be the cornerstone of success in leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and productivity across diverse job functions. Stay tuned as Mercer Assessments introduces this insightful assessment framework to catalyze impactful AI adoption and enable organizations to navigate the transformative tide of generative AI.